CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME)Bulk Tanks and Other ContainersHard
A consignor is preparing a bulk shipment of a liquid hazardous material with a specific gravity of 1.25. The cargo tank has a maximum rated capacity of 7,000 gallons. If the maximum filling density allowed for this material is 90%, what is the maximum weight (in pounds) of the material that can be loaded into the tank? (Assume water weighs 8.34 lbs/gallon).
- A73,080 lbs
- B58,545 lbs
- C7,875 lbs
- D65,655 lbs
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 65,655 lbs
First, calculate the weight of water the tank can hold: 7,000 gallons * 8.34 lbs/gallon = 58,380 lbs. Next, calculate the weight of the material at 100% capacity: 58,380 lbs * 1.25 (specific gravity) = 72,975 lbs. Finally, apply the filling density: 72,975 lbs * 0.90 = 65,677.5 lbs. Option A is the closest.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is the weight at 100% capacity, not considering the 90% filling density.
- B. This calculation incorrectly applies specific gravity after filling density or miscalculates.
- C. This is the approximate capacity in gallons, not weight in pounds.
Bulk Tank Filling Limit Calculation
To determine the maximum allowable weight of a hazardous liquid in a bulk tank, calculate the tank's water capacity, adjust for the material's specific gravity, and then apply the maximum filling density.
- Weight of water = Volume × 8.34 lbs/gallon.
- Weight of material (full) = Weight of water × Specific Gravity.
- Maximum load weight = Weight of material (full) × Filling Density.
Memory trick: Water's weight is your start, Specific Gravity adjusts, then Filling Density is your final cut.